What information will be needed for the application (and how it's kept private)

Anything you submit over our website is 100 percent, fully secure. And we never, ever share it with anyone except by permission -- that is, if you're giving us information you want us to use to get you the best loan, we use that information to tell mortgage lenders about you and convince them to loan you money. In turn, those mortgage lenders are bound by federal law to keep your information secure.

Here is a list of the information mortgage lenders will use to consider your loan application.

For all loans

Social Security Number, for borrower and co-borrower if any

Employment HistoryFor the last two years, employment dates, addresses, salary.Current pay stubs or W-2 forms.

Check and Savings Accounts and Certificates of DepositLocation of bank accounts, account numbers and balances; Address of bank if out of town Last 3 months' statements

Stocks, Bonds, and Investment AccountsBroker's name and address, description of stocks, bonds, etc. Last 3 months' statements or copies of stock certificates

If you're self-employedTwo years tax returns, profit and loss statements, both company and personal if separate. Current balance sheet and profit and loss statement if more than two months into the new fiscal year, signed by CPA.

If employed in family businessPersonal federal income tax returns and all schedules for the past two years

If divorced or separatedComplete executed divorce decree and settlement agreementPayment history of alimony/child support over the past 12 months, if it is a financial obligation. If you choose to have this be considered as part of your income (you don't have to), be prepared to provide 12 months canceled checks or bank statements reflecting income deposits.

If you own real estate

Name and address of all mortgage lenders for the past 24 months, account numbers, monthly payments and balances

If you've sold your home but not closed:A copy of the sales contract

If you've sold your home, closed, and you will use the proceeds for your new down payment:A copy of the HUD-1 Uniform Settlement Statement

If you rent

Name, address and phone number of landlords for the past 24 months

If you're buying a home

Purchase sales contract or offer to purchase and all addendaFurnish contract with original signatures of buyer and seller

If a source of your down payment is a gift:Name, address and relationship of donor. Gift funds will be verified in both the donor and recipient's accounts. Note: Not all loan programs allow gifts to be part of your down payment.

For FHA FinancingEvidence of Social Security Number and photo identification